17 Things You Should Always Buy in Bulk

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to buy everything in bulk to save tons of money every month. In fact, buying multiple quantities of items—even dry goods—can be risky business if most of it ends up unused. But picking up these items on the next trip to your local big box store will ensure your money won't end up going down the drain.

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1Butter

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You may not think much about how often you're using this cooking essential, but oftentimes baked goods can require as much as a stick of butter! If you're constantly whipping up sugary confections in the kitchen, bulk up on butter. According to Oprah.com, "You can get 4 pounds of unsalted butter at Costco for $10.49, which comes out to $2.62 a pound; while a supermarket charges about $4.99 for a pound."

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2Alcohol

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Instead of grabbing a quick $7 six-pack for a friend's housewarming party, opt for the "pricier" $16 24-pack. You'll save money in the long run by stocking your fridge with the extras. Win, win!

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3Toilet Paper

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Unlike perishable food items, toilet paper won't go bad sitting in your linen closet for years on end. And, according to U.S. News & World Report, you can actually save 50% more buying TP in bulk than you can if you purchase single rolls as needed.

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4Nuts

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Much like butter, nuts are a wonderful food to save money on when buying in bulk. "A 2-pound bag of walnuts is about $12 at Sam's Club, or $.38 per ounce, while at a supermarket you'll pay closer to $.90 per ounce," according to Oprah.com. Just make sure to freeze them when you aren't eating them!

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5Batteries

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Although buying rechargeable batteries in bulk isn't your best bet, buying lithium or alkaline versions is worth shelling out the cash up front. Because these batteries have a long shelf life (if kept in cool, dry place), you normally don't have to worry about their charge going dead before you need a couple for that blasted TV remote.

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6School and Office Supplies

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Back-to-school shopping can put quite a dent in your wallet—save yourself the cash (and the headache) of stocking up on folders, pencils, and notebooks annually by buying them in bulk and saving the excess supplies for next year. You can never have too many backup pens on hand, after all!

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7Pasta

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As long as you store your dry pasta in an airtight container in a cool, dark room, the dinner favorite can last up to two years. And for those busy nights when you don't have the time to craft a supper masterpiece, it's always nice to reach into the pantry for your trusty spaghetti.

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8Laundry Detergent

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The last thing you want to happen when you're getting ready to wash your kiddo's dirty gym shorts is to pick up an empty bottle of laundry detergent. Prevent that nightmare scenario by buying in bulk—you'll thank yourself later.

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9Toothpaste

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Instead of grabbing the individual package of Crest because it costs less than the 2- or 3-pack, commit to paying a little bit more at the cash register up-front and you'll save more money in the long run.

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10Trash Bags

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Because of their compact nature, trash bags are super easy to store in your home without taking up much space.

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11Soap

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Keep a large container of liquid soap under the sink and refill your smaller bottles when needed. Now you'll always have backup when those hands need a good scrubbin'.

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12Rice

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Rice, which lasts practically forever, goes with just about any protein and it's great to store in bulk. It may just be your new dinnertime go-to (sorry, pasta!).

Unless you're into living in the dark, you're going to need backup lightbulbs when your lamp burns out—which it will, at the most inconvenient time.

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15Vitamins

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If you're a part of a rewards program at one of your local pharmacies, definitely take advantage of the buy 1, get one 50% off (or free) deal on vitamins that they usually advertise. You won't need to make as many trips and you'll be saving some major moolah. Score!

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16Cereal

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Thanks to a rise in the cost of wheat, cereal can be seriously pricey. So consider buying your cereal in bulk, since you're likely paying more than double at the grocery store.

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17Vanilla Extract

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Vanilla can cost up to five times more at the grocery store than at a big-box store.

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